So how did he manage a meaningful life and a celebrated after-life? RD had a child-like curiosity in almost everything that came his way, be it chess, cooking, sports, world music, natural sounds and of course exploring new instruments and sounds. This is possible if we experience the world around us with open senses, appreciate what is around us and make the most of it. When you have your mind set on changing the tempo of life, ordinary conventions cannot hold you back. Be it the sound of someone gargling to create a background tune or the quintessential rough, male voice to a disco beat, RD Burman had an eye and ear for the extraordinary.

In 1987, RD did a private album called Dil Padosi Hai and since it was in a temporary HMV studio in Mumbai, there was traffic noise outside and his staff had to hold the windows tightly shut. But if you listen to the album, you will notice how crisp and clear the sound of every instrument is. It is passion that makes us maximize output even when our resources are limited.

Dil Padosi Hai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnnpwtsFLow

How will this help in your career? Well, research says that passionate people bring this attitude into every sphere of their lives. Whenever stuck with a dilemma or a tough problem to solve, one then has a solution-mindset, and puts in what it takes to move forward and succeed. Passion is also infectious. Not just as a leader, but as a team player, your enthusiasm spreads around the room.

Let me leave you with an interesting coincidence in RD’s life. He was a gadgets and technology freak – an early adopter of synthesizer, flanger, multi-track recordings, recorded loops, etc etc. No wonder that when Apple launched iPhoneX in 2017, with the swiftest ‘face unlock’ feature, they used RD Burman’s music to launch their phone in America. This was music composed by RD in 1980 for the film The Burning Train.

Apple iPhoneX Ad with RD Burman’s music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBIGBcGo1rY

So, passion is the fire that not only ignites your present but can also make your work shine for times to come. Go, find your passion and ignite this flame, now!